Homocysteine and reclassification of cardiovascular disease risk.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether adding homocysteine (Hcy) to a model based on traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors improves risk classification.

Background: Data on using Hcy to reclassify individuals in various risk categories beyond traditional approaches have not been adequately scrutinized.

Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and NHANES III (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III) datasets.

Telephone reminders increase re-screening in a county breast screening program.

Introduction: Mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality through routine screening. We tested an intervention to increase re-screening in a county program.

Methods: The program requires enrollment before screening.

The association between the pre-diagnosis mammography screening interval and advanced breast cancer.

Background: While screening has been demonstrated to reduce breast cancer mortality, the optimal screening interval is unknown. We designed a study to determine the risk of an advanced breast cancer diagnosis by varying the interval between mammograms.

Methods: We reviewed a single state's mammography records of women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1994 and 2002.

The effect of adding Pap smear information to a mammography reminder system in an HMO: results of randomized controlled trial.

Background: While reminders can promote cancer screening in primary care, little is known about the potential interaction between multiple reminders.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of combined Pap smear plus mammogram reminders and mammogram-only reminders among 2471 women 40 years of age or older enrolled in a health maintenance organization serving a predominantly Medicaid-eligible population. Reminders included both a mailed letter for the woman and a medical record prompt.

Delivery of preventive health services for breast cancer control: a longitudinal view of a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To develop a longitudinal model to characterize the delivery of mammography services using repeated observations of mammography referral rates during a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of physician mammography reminders.

Data Sources/study Setting: Administrative records of a health department and observational data on mammography appointment scheduling.

Study Design: The design was a longitudinal study of month-specific referral rates during a 1-year RCT.